Variable drive apparatus and system

Abstract

A variable drive apparatus is disclosed. The variable drive apparatus includes a hub about an axis and a plurality of sectors that are movable in a radial direction relative to the axis. The position of the sectors relative to the axis can, among other things, change a drive ratio associated with the apparatus. A variable drive system is also disclosed.

1 . A variable drive apparatus having an outer diameter, comprising: 
 a hub positioned about an axis;    a plurality of sectors that are movable in a radial direction relative to the axis; and    one or more radial control arms connecting the sectors to the hub;    wherein the outer diameter of the apparatus changes with the radial movement of the sectors.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one control arm connects each sector to a portion of the hub.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , wherein outer surfaces of the sectors form a circumferential channel or groove.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , including one or more end plates.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus recited in  claim 4 , wherein the one or more end plates include a linkage element passage.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus recited in  claim 5 , wherein at least one linkage element passage permits an associated element to move in a radial direction relative to the axis.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , including a tension device.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus recited in  claim 7 , wherein the tension device exerts a force that at least partially biases the sectors in a radially contracted state.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus recited in  claim 7 , wherein the tension device includes a spring.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus recited in  claim 2 , wherein each control arm is pivotally connected to one sector and is pivotally connected to the hub.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , wherein upon a sufficient increase in rotational velocity, a centrifugal force associated with the apparatus forces the sectors to expand radially outward from the axis.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus recited in  claim 4 , wherein the hub or one or more end plates includes a structural formation that restricts or impedes the radial expansion of the sectors from further radial expansion.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus recited in  claim 12 , wherein the structural formation includes an elongated hole, slot or other radially-extending guide path or ridge.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , including a flexible inner belt; the inner belt that is substantially wrapped about an outer circumference of the apparatus.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , including a means for restricting or impeding the radial expansion of the sectors beyond a set outer diameter.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1 , wherein the outer diameter of the apparatus is controlled by changing the rotational speed of the apparatus.  
   
   
       17 . A variable drive apparatus having an outer diameter, comprising: 
 a hub positioned about an axis;    a plurality of sectors that are movable in a radial direction relative to the axis, the outer diameter of the apparatus changing with the radial movement of the sectors;    a plurality of radial control arms connecting the sectors to the hub;    a pair of end plates including linkage element passages; and    a linkage element connecting each sector to at least one linkage element passage;    wherein the linkage element passage permits the associated linkage element to move in a radial direction relative to the axis.    
   
   
       18 . A variable drive system, comprising: 
 a variable drive apparatus having an outer diameter; a hub positioned about an axis; a plurality of sectors that are movable in a radial direction relative to the axis; and one or more radial control arms connecting the sectors to the hub, wherein the outer diameter of the apparatus changes with the radial movement of the sectors; and    a drive belt;    wherein an inner portion of the belt engages an outer surface of the variable drive apparatus.    
   
   
       19 . The system recited in  claim 18 , including a flexible inner belt that is substantially wrapped about an outer circumference of the apparatus.  
   
   
       20 . The system recited in  claim 18 , including a drive mechanism.  
   
   
       21 . The system recited in  claim 20 , wherein the drive mechanism conveys rotational forces to the variable drive apparatus or the variable drive apparatus conveys rotational forces to the drive mechanism.